Friday, May 15, 2015

Chateau Fourcas Hosten Listrac, 1982

The price tag on this bottle reads "$9.95." But that was a time when you could buy Cos d'Estournel for $25. The current vintage of Fourcas Hosten sells for about $20; Cos, $360 and up. There are many bargains in Bordeaux, and some of them still offer pleasure for 30 years and more. Fourcas Hosten is a prime example.

I've had many bottles of this wine at various stages of its development, and I admit that it has faded a bit from its best showing. The cork crumbles, and there is a thick crust of sediment but not as much bricking as you would expect from a 33-year-old wine. I get fabulous smells as I am pouring it into the decanter: sandalwood, flowers, red berries, Merlot tea. The 1982 Fourcas Hosten has always seemed Cabernet-dominant in the past, even though it is only 50% of the blend. Today, Merlot (40%) seems to be taking over. I taste tea, cherries, red plums. The palate doesn't quite measure up to the promise of the nose. Medium long, sweet finish. Still a nice wine.

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